Things to Do in Helsinki: A Solo Traveler’s Personal Guide

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As a solo female traveler exploring the world, I’ve learned that every destination has something to see and do. My arctic journey through Finland was no exception. From the snow-covered streets of Rovaniemi to the busy city of Helsinki, there was so much to see and do throughout my entire journey through Finland. In this guide, I will be sharing some of my top things to do in Helsinki from a solo female traveler’s perspective, and specifically things that I did during my winter visit.

Introduction: Things to do in Helsinki

Visiting Helsinki is truly an experience. Regardless of the season that you visit, there is no shortage of things to see and do, and hidden gems and villages to stumble upon. While I was exploring the city, it really had a mix of classic architecture, some of which felt like it had a bit of a Russian influence to it, with a mix of modern-day vibes. Even during my visit in the winter, the streets were busy, iconic attractions had tourists, and there were people on every corner.

Whether Helsinki is a quick stopover or you are spending several days here, there are so many things to do in Helsinki. Now, let’s dive into all of my top things to do in Helsinki, so that you can hopefully add them to your Finland itinerary as well, if they aren’t already on it.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki: My Personal Recommendations

1. Start at Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral

I think one of my favorite areas to explore was Senate Square. I visited in January, and the snow-covered steps and crisp air only made this area feel much more magical. Senate Square is frequently busy with people, as it is a popular place to visit, both for tourists and locals, and there was something about the majestic white Helsinki Cathedral with the striking green dome that really makes you feel welcomed and connected to the city. It is also one of the most iconic monuments in the city, and you absolutely cannot visit Helsinki without visiting.

Explore best things to do in Helsinki. From historic landmarks and local markets to scenic parks, and hidden neighborhoods,

2. Wander Market Square & Old Market Hall

Now, wandering around the market square is always a fun and free thing to do in Helsinki. Now, while the markets aren’t very busy during the winter, they are very busy with lots of people and vendors selling their Finnish treats and specialty items during the spring and summer.

You could easily spend half a day just walking through the market, which has been around since the 1800s, sampling different items, and just enjoying the weather, if you are here during a warmer time of year. Otherwise, if you do visit in the winter, there are a few open vendors, but it’s just not as busy as it is during the summer months.

3. Explore Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Another must-see while in Helsinki is the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, which is a named UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stepping into their fortress literally takes you back in time. Between the old walls, the paths, it really makes you feel like you are completely immersed and can really envision what it was like during that time.

Seeing it in the winter, with the snow-covered paths and landscape, gave it a majestic feel that almost made me think of the movie Frozen.

4. Day Trip to Porvoo

I think the most unexpected hidden gem was the little half-day, day trip I took to Porvoo. The colorful wood buildings, with the snow-covered cobblestone streets, I literally felt like I was in a storybook. I loved the red building lined along the river, which was frozen when I was there, and all of the cute little shops and cafes, really gave it such a cozy vibe.

Most of my time in Porvoo was spent just wandering around up and down the streets. I grabbed a croissant and a coffee to take a break from the cold, and everything in the café and in the town was just absolutely adorable.

I even stopped at a local chocolate shop where the chocolate is locally made and bought two large bars to take home. And they were absolutely amazing

If you are looking for a short getaway, full of colorful charm and cozy cafes, then a day trip to Porvoo is for sure something you should add to your Finland itinerary.

Explore fun things to do in Helsinki. From historic landmarks and local markets to scenic parks, and hidden neighborhoods,

5. SkyWheel Helsinki

For one of the best views of Helsinki, you will want to take a ride in the SkyWheel. With panoramic views across the entire city, this is such an incredible way to experience Helsinki from the top and it gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

I took this as it was getting dark in the winter, and seeing the city lit up like a Christmas village just made my trip even more magical. The ride is about 10-12 minutes, and is a great way to “see” the city.

Pro Tip: The SkyWheel has two sauna carts you can take so that you can stay warm if you are visiting in the winter.

6. Visit Katajanokka & Kallio

Two of my favorite neighborhoods that I visited on my trip were Katajanokka and Kallio. Katajanokka was a fun artsy vibe, with lots of fun cafes and cute streets that you can wander down, while Kallio was such a fun bohemian vibe. It was edgy and full of vintage shops, and felt very lively.

7. Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

One of the most iconic churches in Helsinki has got to be the Rock Church. It was one of the most unique churches that I have ever been in. The inside and outside architecture is one of a kind and truely magnificant. I spent about 20 minutes wandering around and just soaking in how this was constructed. It costs 8 Euros and is absolutely worth the visit inside.

Explore the best things to do in Helsinki. From historic landmarks and local markets to scenic parks, and hidden neighborhoods,

8. Savor a Finnish Sauna Experience

Ok, so I saved the best for last. You absolutely cannot visit Helsinki, or anywhere in Finland for that matter, without visiting a sauna. This was the perfect ending to my day every day while I visited in January.

There was something about spending the day exploring, and then coming back to my hotel and sitting in the sauna for 20-30 minutes, relaxing, and reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Fun Fact: There are 3 million people in Finland and 2 million saunas.

Conclusion: Things to do in Helsinki

I have to say, Finland was honestly one of the best trips that I have ever taken. Between visiting Rovaniemi and Helsinki, and all of the things I saw and did, it was absolutely a trip of a lifetime. Regardless of the time of year you visit, there are always countless things to do in Helsinki and Rovaniemi, for that matter. I hope this guide has given you lots of great ideas on things to do in Helsinki and that your trip is as unforgettable as mine was.